Karima’s story

Karima arrived as a refugee from Syria to the UK.

‘I am from Syria and I fled Syria because of the war. I came to the UK in 2017. My husband came here first, and I went to Sudan with my two children. Then my husband applied for joint visa for us and we came to the UK. My daughter was then only two years old and my son was one year. I have had two more children since then here in the UK.

My midwife told me about this opportunity to learn English from home. I explained to LEAH when they first contacted me that I have 5 small children, as we adopted one of my husband’s brother’s son, and they said not to worry and arranged everything for me. They found a time for me to join and learn English with LEAH.

My teacher taught me for a year. She used to come every Tuesday to my home and stayed for an hour. Sometimes she stayed for longer if she could and we had a longer lesson.

I learned a lot after my one-to-one LEAH lessons. I can now make an appointment, contact school or call the police. I know how to talk to teachers at school and call the GP and talk about ill health or get a medication.

It is very hard for me during the pandemic as I do not speak good English and my health is not good. I am disabled after an accident back in Syria during the bombings. My last child was also born prematurely, and I have to spend a lot of time with him. I am really worried that I cannot help my children with homeschooling.

I will get in touch with LEAH again, after I feel better, to continue my lessons if possible, even if it is just over the phone, as I cannot go and study in a college. My children are my priority and I have to wait for them to finish their studies. I would like then to continue with my studies. I studied geography and philosophy back in Syria. I would like to be someone important and help other people. I used to teach when I was in Syria. So, when my children are older, I would like to go back to teaching.’